Don L. Blankenship, chairman and chief executive officer of Massey Energy Company, addressed a National Press Club luncheon on Thursday, July 22, 2010. Blankenship spoke on the need to increase surface mining of coal in order to meet the nation’s energy requirements.

The NPC hosted a screening of “La Americana,” a film examining the case of a 9-year-old who, after suffering a life-threatening accident, must remain in Bolivia while her mother makes a dangerous and illegal journey to the United States, hoping to earn enough money to save her daughter’s life. A panel discussion with the producer/director and Suzanne Gamboa, AP reporter on immigration, followed. The discussion focused on freedom of the press and speech and a range of immigration issues, including remittances and the role of immigrants in the national economy.

Obesity in the military has become a national security issue, fitness trainer Tony Horton said at a Club luncheon July 16, describing his work with military leaders to reduce the rate, which has tripled in the past few years.

Jim Michaels, a reporter with USA Today, speaks at a July 12, 2010 National Press Club Book Rap. Mr. Michaels discussed his experiences covering the Iraq War in Ramadi with the Marines 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division.

A series of short films produced by international filmmakers in Washington and New York City were shown at the National Press Club on Wednesday, July 7. A panel discussion on freedom of the press and expression with some of the producers and the Washington director of Reporters Without Borders followed.

Paul Steiger, the editor-in-chief of ProPublica and chairman of the Committee to Protect Journalists, told a July 15 luncheon audience that a new model of collaboration can help sustain investigative journalism.